Metatranscriptomics
Reveal what your microbial community is doing
Typical turnaround for library preparation & sequencing
2-3 week
All sequencing and analysis on US soil critical for clinical and IP-sensitive projects.
US Operations
1:1 Support
End-to-end expert scientist support
What is Metatranscriptome sequencing?
Metatranscriptomics sequences the actively transcribed RNA from an entire microbial community captures real-time gene expression across all organisms simultaneously. Where metagenomics reveals genetic potential, metatranscriptomics reveals what is happening, identifying which genes are expressed, how communities respond to environmental changes, and what metabolic pathways are active at any given moment.
RNA Submission Guidelines
An essential guideline for submitting samples. RNA degrades fast.
Follow our extraction, stabilization, and shipment guidelines to protect your samples and ensure publication-quality results.
Did you know?
Want the full picture of your microbial community? Pair metatranscriptomics with metagenomics or RNA-Seq all within one lab, no data hand-off required.
Admera's multiomics expertise puts us at the intersection of whole-genome shotgun sequencing and RNA-Seq, two workflows where our scientists have deep, established experience.
Why Researchers Choose Admera
2 week TAT with expedited options & consistent track record of early delivery.
Fast turnaround time
All sequencing and analysis on US soil critical for clinical and IP-sensitive projects.
US Operations
Deep Multiomics Expertise
Deep transcriptomics & metagenomics expertise behind your metatranscriptomics project.
A scientist manages your project end-to-end from library prep selection to bioinformatic interpretation.
Dedicated 1:1 support
What to expect with Admera
Standard Deliverables
Raw data as FASTQ files
Quality control report
rRNA filtering summary
Gene expression quantification (FPKM/TPM)
Available upon request
De novo transcriptome assembly
Differential expression analysis
Metabolic pathway & functional annotation
Taxonomic classification of active transcripts
Applications of Metatranscriptomics Sequencing
Active host-pathogen gene expression
AMR gene expression & resistance activity
Infection response & immune evasion mechanisms
Human & Animal
Active microbial responses to crop stress
Real-time biocontrol gene expression
Plant-microbe signaling activity
Plant & Agricultural
Active metabolic responses to environmental change
Real-time carbon & nitrogen cycling activity
Active degradation pathway expression
Environmental
Active enzyme & metabolite production monitoring
Real-time fermentation pathway activity
Stress response in bioreactor communities
Industrial
Not sure which approach fits your study? Talk to one of our scientists
Frequently Asked Questions
Sending samples?
See our RNA sample submission guidelines for best practices on sample preparation, packaging, and shipment for the highest quality results.
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Metatranscriptomics sequences the actively transcribed mRNA from an entire microbial community, capturing real-time gene expression and functional activity. While metagenomics reveals the genetic potential of a community (e.g. which organisms are present and what genes they carry) metatranscriptomics shows what those genes are actually doing at the moment of sampling. This makes metatranscriptomics sequencing the method of choice when you need to understand metabolic pathways, active transcriptome dynamics, and how microbial communities respond to environmental changes.
Understanding metatranscriptomiccs
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We accept a wide range of sample types including stool, soil, tissue, swabs, water, and other environmental or clinical specimens. Because RNA is highly susceptible to degradation, proper collection and stabilization are critical.
We recommend using RNA-stabilizing reagents immediately after collection.
Our team will guide you through RNA extraction best practices and stabilization protocols to ensure high-quality input for your metatranscriptomic analysis.
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We recommend a minimum of 100 ng of high-quality total RNA (RIN ≥7 where possible) for metatranscriptomics sequencing. Samples undergo rRNA depletion to enrich for mRNA prior to library preparation. This step is critical for capturing active gene expression signals rather than ribosomal background. Sequencing is performed at 150 bp paired-end with depth tailored to your study goals, typically 20–50M reads per sample. Our scientists will help you determine the right input and depth for your microbial community complexity.
Sample & sequencing recommendations/requirements
Analysis, deliverables & turnaround
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Standard deliverables include raw data as FASTQ files, a quality control report, rRNA filtering summary, and gene expression quantification (FPKM/TPM). Available upon request: de novo transcriptome assembly, differential gene expression analysis, metabolic pathway and functional annotation, and taxonomic classification of active transcripts. All metatranscriptomic analysis is performed in our CAP/CLIA-accredited, US-based facility with a standard turnaround of 2 weeks — expedited options available.
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Yes! This is one of Admera's key strengths. Our multiomics expertise spans whole-genome shotgun sequencing and RNA-seq, enabling seamless integration of metagenomic and metatranscriptomic data within one lab. Paired analysis gives you a complete picture: metagenomics reveals community structure and genetic potential, while metatranscriptomics reveals active gene expression and real-time metabolic pathway activity.
A dedicated scientist manages your project end-to-end from library prep to bioinformatic interpretation.
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Our standard turnaround for metatranscriptomics sequencing is 2 weeks, with expedited options available and a consistent track record of early delivery.
Dedicated 1:1 support means a single scientist is assigned to your project from library prep selection through to bioinformatic interpretation.
You have a direct point of contact throughout, not a ticketing system. All sequencing and metatranscriptomic analysis is conducted on US soil, critical for clinical, grant-reporting, and IP-sensitive projects.
Still have questions? Our scientists are here to help
Get the Most out of Your Study
Maximize your project’s potential with advanced analysis solutions. Our team of expert bioinformaticians curate pipelines tailored to your project’s experimental design.